You don't say what powder you are using. If you are using 777, then you were using the equivalent of 138 grains black powder (adding 15%). That is a stout charge in anyones book. I use 90-95 grains 777 for elk with 405 gr PB'sand feel very comfortable that this charge is plenty for elk. I have pretty much decided that since it has more than enough power for elk, and since we have to use open sights (in Colorado), there is no reason to use more powder. I have a personal limit of 100 yards with these restrictions anyway. And as Sproul says, flinching is one of the biggest reasons elk are missed (and wounded). And I have at least partially bought in to the theory that PB's do better at less powder charges.

Here is an interstings site to explore. It is about knockdown and I use it to compare big slow moving bullets. Foot lbs of energy just don't cut it with big bullets, and that is because they are relatively slow moving and the foot lbs math squares the speed. That makes small, very fast bullets look better on paper. However, millions of buffalo died with big slow moving bullets. Take the 45-70 for example. 45 caliber with 70 grains of black powder. Here is the link: http://www.loadammo.com/Topics/July02.htm

I am curious about the new bullets. At least they are no more expensive than the original. However, the biggest bullets that I have seen advertised in platinum are 328 gr. Just a personal bias, but I like bigger bullets for elk.